James Monroe Born April 28, 1758, Westmoreland County, Virginia Died July 4, 1831, New York City, New York Political Party Democratic-Republican Terms 1817 – 1820, 1821 – 1825 Vice President Daniel D. Tompkins
Thematic Context The transformation of ships greatly impacted globalization during Monroe’s presidency. As the industry needed faster boats, Americans created ships that averaged amazing speeds. The New York ship, as it was called, could travel from New York to Liverpool in less than 17 days. With such a quick passage to England and other parts of the world, Americans were closer connected with the foreign world. Previously, a trip to England might take months, but the invention of these new speedy ships brought the American people in closer association with wherever those boats could travel. These new ships also boosted American trade with numerous countries other than England. The fast American ships increased nationalism, as American sailors proudly traveled on their swift ships. This impacted the Monroe presidency by increasing Monroe’s concern with foreigners in America. Especially with the rise of shorter travel time between countries, Monroe became extremely apprehensive to foreign intervention of American affairs and foreign colonization of American land, which was outlined in the Monroe Doctrine. Furthermore, during Monroe’s presidency, American authors began writing true American literature, instead of simply stemming off of European literary periods. Pieces such as Washington Irving’s “Rip Van Winkle” or William Cullen Bryant’s “Thanatopsis” made its way back to Europe, but instead of praise, Europeans simply instigated the stigma of Americans as uneducated, backward men. Despite the negativity, the United States, as a nation, was interacting with other countries in a variety of ways, which contributed to the globalization of the nation. While this doesn’t greatly impact the presidency of James Monroe, it’s important to note, that at this time, the United States was yet to earn respect from the international community, as the country is still continuing to build itself. For example, many states such as Missouri has yet to join the US, and Monroe and his administration must handle new states. In this way, the development of American literature and its initial scorn indirectly connects to Monroe’s actions as president.
Thesis James Monroe, famous for presiding over the Era of Good Feeling and his Monroe Doctrine, was an above average president, earning him and his administration an A. One Boston newspaper that had no insight to the numerous troubles that Monroe would have to deal with throughout his presidency dubbed the “Era of Good Feeling,” such as tariff issues, sectionalism, and slavery. To his credit, in 1817, Monroe does keep the United States neutral when the Latin American colonies are seeking independence, and he does send General Andrew Jackson down south to acquire Florida for the United States, which eventually helps the Monroe administration better negotiate with Spain. The Transcontinental Treaty was the United States acquiring the Oregon Territory from the Spanish and buying Florida for $5 million; this was successfully negotiated under the Monroe administration, and this treaty helped expand America. Under the Monroe Administration, Congress passes the Missouri Compromise, which outlines that Missouri may be admitted as a slave state, but further southern states could no longer be slave states. Maine must also be admitted as a state, making the number of northern and southern states equal. The Missouri Compromise only temporarily solved the problems and it did nothing to quell the tensions arising between the North and South; therefore, Monroe could not count for the Missouri Compromise as a complete success. The Monroe Doctrine was simply a statement outlining America’s unfavorable stance on further colonization and intervention in American affairs by foreign figures, which had little impact at the time of its deliverance. In 1824, Monroe signs for a protective tariff to support local industry and manufacturing. The South are disturbed by this measure, while the Northern manufacturers are pleased, which deepens the division between the North and South, adding more heat to the strain between the different regions of America.
Goals According to Harry Ammon’s biography of James Monroe’s main goal was to unify the United States. Monroe had hoped that in doing this, the United States’ nationalism would “operate as a useful force in leading the nation to a full utilization of its resources and that it would also serve as a means of reconciling party animosities. The two goals were thought of as complementary, for the elimination of party rivalry would enable the people to inaugurate policies on the basis of national, not party interests” (Ammon 336). In a sense, nationalism did positively affect the country, but sectionalism between regions of American more deeply swept the nation. The North and the South had tensions rising when Missouri propositioned Congress to be a state, as the North was furious if the balance between the North and South was to be disturbed. In terms of settling the clash of political parties, Monroe had no real opponent in his second presidential election, and thus, it could be argued that because the Federalist party dissolved and left Monroe’s party the dominating one, Monroe could easily harmonize interests between his own strong party and almost nonexistent one.
Relationship with Congress Monroe had an ambivalent relationship with Congress in that he agreed and disagreed with them throughout his presidency. At the time of Henry Clay’s American System, Monroe asked Congress to make an amendment to the Constitution that would allow the federal government to install roads and better forms of transportation into the nation; however, Congress did no such thing. Many of the Congressmen believed that Congress already had this power and did not need an amendment. Because of this, Congress passed a bill that granted the so-desired internal improves that the American System called for; Monroe promptly vetoed it, in fear that he was violating the Constitution. However, after thinking it over again, Monroe changed his mind and eventually signed the bill. Monroe had less issues with Congress, however, when Missouri asked to be a state. Both Congress and Monroe feared that the ever-growing sectionalism would tear America apart, so they worked efficiently to create a compromise that would keep the country together at least for the time.
Positive Outcome The most positive decision that Monroe and his administration made was the initiation of the First Seminole War. Secretary of War John C. Calhoun and Monroe send General Andrew Jackson to Florida to stop Native American uprisings, but to Monroe’s surprise, Jackson’s military action had amounted to war. However, this unexpected obstacle eventually lead to the Adams-Onis Treaty, which had Spanish cede Florida to the United States for five million dollars. This successfully expands the American borders to the Pacific Ocean.
Negative Outcome The most negative decision that Monroe and his administration made was the Missouri Compromise. To his credit, Monroe had little control over the situation, but nevertheless, the Missouri Compromise was like a bandage on a bullet wound; it settled the quarrel between the North and South for a short period but tensions were at an all time high. These tensions are what eventually lead to the outbreak of the Civil War, and Monroe did not and could not do anything to stop that.
Influential Decision President Monroe’s most influential action was the Monroe Doctrine. Indeed, thepersonal statement made little impact during the time of its release, however, in later years, it would be used in the international affairs of America. President Theodore Roosevelt referenced the Monroe Doctrine when he invaded Latin American countries to protect from debt-seeking Europeans. President John F. Kennedy used the Monroe Doctrine during the Cuban Missile Crisis. So many years later, Monroe’s words are still studied to determine America’s next stop of foreign action.
Conclusion President Monroe had a generally positive impact on the country, thus his grade of an A. During Monroe’s time in office, he greatly expands American borders, and the Monroe Doctrine sets a precedent, though mostly unnoticed, that America stands as a sovereign nation that does not tolerate colonization and intervention in its land and affairs. Sectionalism’s effect on the nation wriggles deeper into the American peoples’ mindset, but Monroe does his best to stop it in the Missouri Compromise, though in vain. Unfortunately, Monroe prompts Sectionalism when he signs a protective tariff, which benefits the industry of the North but leaves the farmers of the South unhappy.
Born April 28, 1758, Westmoreland County, Virginia
Died July 4, 1831, New York City, New York
Political Party Democratic-Republican
Terms 1817 – 1820, 1821 – 1825
Vice President Daniel D. Tompkins
Thematic Context
The transformation of ships greatly impacted globalization during Monroe’s presidency. As the industry needed faster boats, Americans created ships that averaged amazing speeds. The New York ship, as it was called, could travel from New York to Liverpool in less than 17 days. With such a quick passage to England and other parts of the world, Americans were closer connected with the foreign world. Previously, a trip to England might take months, but the invention of these new speedy ships brought the American people in closer association with wherever those boats could travel. These new ships also boosted American trade with numerous countries other than England. The fast American ships increased nationalism, as American sailors proudly traveled on their swift ships. This impacted the Monroe presidency by increasing Monroe’s concern with foreigners in America. Especially with the rise of shorter travel time between countries, Monroe became extremely apprehensive to foreign intervention of American affairs and foreign colonization of American land, which was outlined in the Monroe Doctrine. Furthermore, during Monroe’s presidency, American authors began writing true American literature, instead of simply stemming off of European literary periods. Pieces such as Washington Irving’s “Rip Van Winkle” or William Cullen Bryant’s “Thanatopsis” made its way back to Europe, but instead of praise, Europeans simply instigated the stigma of Americans as uneducated, backward men. Despite the negativity, the United States, as a nation, was interacting with other countries in a variety of ways, which contributed to the globalization of the nation. While this doesn’t greatly impact the presidency of James Monroe, it’s important to note, that at this time, the United States was yet to earn respect from the international community, as the country is still continuing to build itself. For example, many states such as Missouri has yet to join the US, and Monroe and his administration must handle new states. In this way, the development of American literature and its initial scorn indirectly connects to Monroe’s actions as president.
Thesis
James Monroe, famous for presiding over the Era of Good Feeling and his Monroe Doctrine, was an above average president, earning him and his administration an A. One Boston newspaper that had no insight to the numerous troubles that Monroe would have to deal with throughout his presidency dubbed the “Era of Good Feeling,” such as tariff issues, sectionalism, and slavery. To his credit, in 1817, Monroe does keep the United States neutral when the Latin American colonies are seeking independence, and he does send General Andrew Jackson down south to acquire Florida for the United States, which eventually helps the Monroe administration better negotiate with Spain. The Transcontinental Treaty was the United States acquiring the Oregon Territory from the Spanish and buying Florida for $5 million; this was successfully negotiated under the Monroe administration, and this treaty helped expand America. Under the Monroe Administration, Congress passes the Missouri Compromise, which outlines that Missouri may be admitted as a slave state, but further southern states could no longer be slave states. Maine must also be admitted as a state, making the number of northern and southern states equal. The Missouri Compromise only temporarily solved the problems and it did nothing to quell the tensions arising between the North and South; therefore, Monroe could not count for the Missouri Compromise as a complete success. The Monroe Doctrine was simply a statement outlining America’s unfavorable stance on further colonization and intervention in American affairs by foreign figures, which had little impact at the time of its deliverance. In 1824, Monroe signs for a protective tariff to support local industry and manufacturing. The South are disturbed by this measure, while the Northern manufacturers are pleased, which deepens the division between the North and South, adding more heat to the strain between the different regions of America.
Goals
According to Harry Ammon’s biography of James Monroe’s main goal was to unify the United States. Monroe had hoped that in doing this, the United States’ nationalism would “operate as a useful force in leading the nation to a full utilization of its resources and that it would also serve as a means of reconciling party animosities. The two goals were thought of as complementary, for the elimination of party rivalry would enable the people to inaugurate policies on the basis of national, not party interests” (Ammon 336). In a sense, nationalism did positively affect the country, but sectionalism between regions of American more deeply swept the nation. The North and the South had tensions rising when Missouri propositioned Congress to be a state, as the North was furious if the balance between the North and South was to be disturbed. In terms of settling the clash of political parties, Monroe had no real opponent in his second presidential election, and thus, it could be argued that because the Federalist party dissolved and left Monroe’s party the dominating one, Monroe could easily harmonize interests between his own strong party and almost nonexistent one.
Relationship with Congress
Monroe had an ambivalent relationship with Congress in that he agreed and disagreed with them throughout his presidency. At the time of Henry Clay’s American System, Monroe asked Congress to make an amendment to the Constitution that would allow the federal government to install roads and better forms of transportation into the nation; however, Congress did no such thing. Many of the Congressmen believed that Congress already had this power and did not need an amendment. Because of this, Congress passed a bill that granted the so-desired internal improves that the American System called for; Monroe promptly vetoed it, in fear that he was violating the Constitution. However, after thinking it over again, Monroe changed his mind and eventually signed the bill. Monroe had less issues with Congress, however, when Missouri asked to be a state. Both Congress and Monroe feared that the ever-growing sectionalism would tear America apart, so they worked efficiently to create a compromise that would keep the country together at least for the time.
Positive Outcome
The most positive decision that Monroe and his administration made was the initiation of the First Seminole War. Secretary of War John C. Calhoun and Monroe send General Andrew Jackson to Florida to stop Native American uprisings, but to Monroe’s surprise, Jackson’s military action had amounted to war. However, this unexpected obstacle eventually lead to the Adams-Onis Treaty, which had Spanish cede Florida to the United States for five million dollars. This successfully expands the American borders to the Pacific Ocean.
Negative Outcome
The most negative decision that Monroe and his administration made was the Missouri Compromise. To his credit, Monroe had little control over the situation, but nevertheless, the Missouri Compromise was like a bandage on a bullet wound; it settled the quarrel between the North and South for a short period but tensions were at an all time high. These tensions are what eventually lead to the outbreak of the Civil War, and Monroe did not and could not do anything to stop that.
Influential Decision
President Monroe’s most influential action was the Monroe Doctrine. Indeed, thepersonal statement made little impact during the time of its release, however, in later years, it would be used in the international affairs of America. President Theodore Roosevelt referenced the Monroe Doctrine when he invaded Latin American countries to protect from debt-seeking Europeans. President John F. Kennedy used the Monroe Doctrine during the Cuban Missile Crisis. So many years later, Monroe’s words are still studied to determine America’s next stop of foreign action.
Conclusion
President Monroe had a generally positive impact on the country, thus his grade of an A. During Monroe’s time in office, he greatly expands American borders, and the Monroe Doctrine sets a precedent, though mostly unnoticed, that America stands as a sovereign nation that does not tolerate colonization and intervention in its land and affairs. Sectionalism’s effect on the nation wriggles deeper into the American peoples’ mindset, but Monroe does his best to stop it in the Missouri Compromise, though in vain. Unfortunately, Monroe prompts Sectionalism when he signs a protective tariff, which benefits the industry of the North but leaves the farmers of the South unhappy.
Bibliography
Ammon, Harry. James Monroe. N.p.: University of Virginia, 1971. Print.
"Brief Timeline of American Literature and Events:1890s." Brief Timeline of American Literature and Events:1890s. Washington State University, 30 Dec. 2012. Web. 03 Mar. 2013. <http://public.wsu.edu/~campbelld/amlit/1820.htm>.
"James Monroe." The White House. The White House, n.d. Web. 03 Mar. 2013. <http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jamesmonroe>.
"Miller Center." American President: American President. University of Virginia, n.d. Web. 03 Mar. 2013. <http://millercenter.org/president/keyevents/monroe>.
"Monroe Doctrine (1823)." Our Documents. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Mar. 2013. <http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true>.
Williams, Richard K. "History of the Clipper Ship Era." History of the Clipper Ship Era. North Shore Dead Eyes, n.d. Web. 03 Mar. 2013. <http://deadeyes.ssmana.org/sections/features/articles/clipper_ship_history.htm>.